As summer heats up, so do travel costs—especially at the pump. But instead of canceling trips, many Americans are finding inventive ways to stretch their budgets and still hit the road. A new report from Expedia shows that domestic travel remains strong, with 51% of respondents more excited about visiting U.S. destinations this summer than last year. However, soaring fuel prices are reshaping how and where people travel.
Caravanning on a Budget
Take Tracy Mosley and Peggy Connor, two women in their 60s from Delaware. They planned a cross-country caravan trip with six friends to visit national parks like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. But with gas prices driven up by the Iran conflict and broader inflation, the group had to make tough choices. They now share trailers, avoid states with higher fuel costs, and cut out expensive detours to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. “Because of the gas prices, we’re all thinking, ‘We can’t do this,’” Connor said. Yet they persevered, adjusting routes and even swapping vehicles for better mileage.
Parents Get Creative
Kimberly Lawson, a mom in east Tennessee, took her 14-year-old son to Orlando for their annual trip. To save money, she drove her own car (skipping a rental), packed groceries, and cooked meals at the condo. Free transportation to local resorts replaced costly car trips. She skipped a planned visit to Crystal Springs because gas was $4.30 per gallon at the time—though prices have since dropped to about $3.60. “I’m still very budget conscious, but even more so this year,” Lawson said.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
Some travelers locked in deals before prices spiked. Keith McAllister booked a family trip to China before the Iran war drove up airfares. Now, the same LA–Beijing leg would cost him over $1,100 more. He’s also using wholesale clubs like Costco and BJ’s to find cheaper flights and rental cars. Meanwhile, a planned West Coast trip to visit family in Las Vegas and San Francisco hangs in the balance—rental cars for a Toyota Corolla run about $200 per day.
A Shift in Priorities
According to Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman, consumers are cutting back on home improvements and electronics but still prioritizing experiences. “You might still be traveling, you’re just traveling differently from last year,” he said. Airlines report steady demand despite higher fares, proving that the desire to explore isn’t fading—it’s just becoming more resourceful.
